Statement from Dignity Health regarding contract negotiations with Aetna

Over the last several months, Dignity Health has been working in good faith to reach a new, responsible contract agreement with Aetna that puts patients first, and keeps Dignity Health facilities, providers and services in-network for Aetna members. 

Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to reach an agreement. As a result, beginning Friday, April 5, most Dignity Health facilities and providers in Arizona are no longer considered part of Aetna’s network. Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center remains in-network. 

Emergency care for emergent medical matters will still be considered in-network. Please don’t hesitate to visit a Dignity Health Emergency Department should an emergency arise. Treatment at Dignity Health urgent care centers may be considered out-of-network, depending on your specific benefit plan. Aetna patients in active treatment may be eligible for continuity of care benefits. Patients can obtain a Transition Coverage Request form (Continuity of Care) on the Aetna website or by calling Aetna using the phone number on the back of their insurance card.

Our organization relies on fair contracts to help us cover normal increases in the cost of providing high-quality care. Inflation has increased costs substantially and has created serious challenges for not-for-profit health care providers like us throughout Arizona and across the nation. 

We do not underestimate our responsibility as one of the region’s major providers of high-quality health care services. Our patients and the communities we serve are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize the inconvenience this situation creates. 

We greatly appreciate the public’s patience as we work through contract renewals with health insurance companies such as Aetna, as well as our recent negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. It is not uncommon for a health system to negotiate with multiple insurers one after another or at the same time. Although our contract with Aetna has ended, we are continuing to work in the best interests of our patients in hopes of reaching a new agreement with Aetna as soon as possible. 

We encourage patients to call 877-729-2669 or visit www.dignityhealth.org/aetna to stay informed about their coverage including continuity of care.

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